We all have daily routines that we follow without giving them much thought. But did you know that some of the small habits you do every day could be causing hidden drain blockages in your home? From the kitchen to the bathroom, certain actions, although seemingly harmless, can slowly add up to serious drainage issues. Let’s explore how your everyday activities might be quietly contributing to clogs and what you can do to prevent them.
Washing Grease Down the Kitchen Sink
After cooking a delicious meal, you might find it convenient to rinse the greasy pan or pour the leftover fat from your frying pan straight down the sink. It seems harmless at the time, but grease can solidify inside your pipes, creating sticky build-ups that trap food particles and lead to clogs. Over time, this causes slow drainage and even complete blockages.
How to Prevent It: Rather than washing grease down the sink, pour it into an old jar or container and dispose of it in the bin. You can even recycle used cooking oil at certain facilities. A simple change like this can prevent major drainage issues in the future. Contact FS Drainage to unblock your drain today and make sure that you have no further problems.
Using Your Toilet as a Bin
It’s all too easy to toss a tissue, cotton balls, or even “flushable” wipes into the toilet, thinking they’ll vanish down the drain. But these items often don’t break down as quickly as toilet paper, and they can get stuck in your pipes, combining with other debris and causing blockages. Over time, this results in slower drainage and potentially expensive plumbing repairs.
How to Prevent It: Only flush toilet paper down the toilet. Keep a small waste bin next to the toilet for tissues, wipes, and other non-flushable items. This simple habit change will keep your plumbing in top shape.
Not Catching Hair in the Shower
If you shower daily, you’re probably shedding hair every time you step under the water. Whether it’s long or short hair, it tends to slip down the drain and build up inside your pipes. Hair, combined with soap and body oils, forms stubborn clogs that can stop water from draining properly. What might seem like a minor inconvenience today could turn into a serious issue if left unchecked.
How to Prevent It: Install a drain cover or hair catcher in your shower to catch hair before it enters the pipes. It’s a quick and affordable solution that can save you from having to deal with a clog later on. Plus, regularly cleaning your drain cover helps keep everything flowing smoothly.
Washing Food Scraps Down the Sink
After a meal, you might rinse plates, bowls, and cooking utensils over the sink, thinking the bits of food will just wash away. However, starchy and fibrous food like pasta, rice, potato peels, and fruit skins can create blockages in your pipes. These food scraps don’t break down easily and can collect, causing slow drainage and clogs over time.
How to Prevent It: Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps and dispose of them in the bin or compost them. It’s an easy habit to adopt, and it’ll help your pipes stay clear. If you have a garbage disposal, make sure to only put small food bits that are safe for disposal.
Signs to Call the Drainage Experts
Getting a blockage in the bathroom or kitchen can be a real nightmare. It always tends to happen when you’re in a rush or trying to get something done. Of course, while you want to get it dealt with quickly, you’re probably also watching your money and want to work conveniently. Yes, DIY might work, but there are going to be some situations where you have to call the drainage experts. Let’s take a look at the signs you need the professionals.
DIY Did Not Work
Have you tried a few DIY methods to clear your drains but it’s not working? This is when you have to call it a day and contact the professionals. You’ve done everything you can to try to remove the blockage, but it’s not working. Experts can come in, assess the problem and use specialised tools that you don’t have access to. This can solve your problem sooner rather than later.
It is a Big Blockage
Do you suspect that you have a large drain blockage? This is something that you always want to leave to the experts. They understand what’s going on and the best and safest way to clear it. The last thing you want to do is damage your drainage system, trying to resolve the problem by yourself.
You are in a Hurry
Imagine the scenario where you can’t drain any water away. You still need to use your sink, shower or toilet. When you’re in a hurry and need emergency help, only experts can give this to you. They understand the severity of the issue and efficient ways to resolve the problem.
Conclusion
Your daily habits, while seemingly innocent, could be causing hidden drain blockages that lead to bigger issues down the road. Whether it’s pouring grease down the sink, flushing non-flushables, or not catching hair in the shower, these small mistakes add up. By making a few simple changes to your daily routine, you can keep your drains clear and avoid costly repairs. So, next time you’re washing dishes, taking a shower, or using the toilet, think twice about how your actions might be affecting your plumbing. Share this post with others to help keep their drains running smoothly too!
